LANGUAGES
Konkani, Marathi and English are the primary languages.
Portuguese, Hindi and Kannada are also spoken.

ETHNIC GROUPS
Hindus comprise 65% of the population while 27% are Christians and 5% are Muslims. Small communities of Jews, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs also live in Goa. Also about 2% is constituted by the Gawada, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar tribes.

HISTORY
The earliest reference to Goa is in the Puranas, dated in the 3rd century. It was ruled by various dynasties (Mauryas, Satavaharas, Chalukyas, Silharas, Kadambas, Yadevas) until the end of the 13th century. Since the 1400s, Goa changed hands many times between the Delhi Sultanate, the Vijayanagara Empire (which ruled for about 100 years) Adil Shah of Bijapur, the Marathas and then finally to the Portuguese in 1510. In 1961, Goa became a part of India after gaining independence from the Portuguese.

GOVERNING BODY
Goa follows the Portuguese uniform civil code; Goa has a unicameral legislature consisting of 40 members of the Legislative Assembly, headed by a Chief Minister who wields the executive power. The governor is appointed by the president of India and functions as the titular head.

NATURAL RESOURCES
The Western Ghats which form most of western Goa is a biodiversity hotspot. Goa is also rich in minerals and ores.

CLIMATE
Goa has a warm tropical climate. May is the hottest month with the temperature rising up to 35°c with high humidity. Monsoon starts in early June and lasts till October / November. A short cool season follows from November to February, with temperature 29°c (84 degree Farad) in the day and 20°c (68 degree farad) in the night.

CLOTHING
Light cotton and linen are recommended

BUSINESS DAYS
All private and public centers are closed on Sundays. Shops and supermarkets are open seven days a week. ATMs are open 24 / 7.